THE heritage of the Cheshire Regiment can endure within the larger fighting unit it will eventually join.

That is the message from Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Keith Skempton.

Supporters of the 306-year-old regiment were upset late last year when Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon announced plans to merge the Cheshires with two other county regiments.

The Cheshires will retain some of their identity by becoming the 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment.

Their partners will be the Worcester and Sherwood Foresters' Regiment - to be known as the 2nd Battalion - and the Staffordshire Regiment - to become the 3rd Battalion.

Maj Gen Skempton, who was raised in Ellesmere Port and is a former commanding officer of the Cheshires, told members of the Cheshire Regiment Association decisions about the roles and locations of the battalions will be made early this year.

He added that although the timing of the change is not yet clear, it is expected to take place within the next three years.

Maj Gen Skempton explained there is meanwhile much planning to be done. Decisions have to be made about the badge, belt, colours, HQ and regimental organisation.

The three parent regiments had been part of a Mercian brigade and their soldiers had undergone recruit training together for many years.

Maj Gen Skempton admitted those who had served in the regiment would find the decision for change difficult to embrace but he added: 'I believe that the traditions, professionalism and character of the Cheshires will continue for many years to come and that our heritage can endure.

'This opportunity is particularly significant, given the change to fixed roles and locations for each of these battalions.'

He added: 'For our heritage and ethos to survive, the future of the Cheshires deserves a positive and sustained response from us all.'